O.K
so anybody that has been reading any of my post knows I am new to sailing. In fact this past weekend was my 3rd trip out as captain. So, that being sail I had some new challenges this weekend. I was told to ask even if I felt the question is dumb.
So the weather called 8 to 10 out of the north east with sunny skies. Moving to south east 8 to 10 by evening. They were off by a few, in fact we had very light air to say the least. on the way back we had a light puff from the stern most of the way. I tried to go wing on wing and did so with some success, however I think I could have set the pole to help the jib stay out. It kept wanting to luff and bunch up on the main. Here is the dumb question:
I have 2 poles one is mounted on the foredeck looks to be 3" in DIA with a jaw clip on both ends. The 2nd pole in mounted to the mast has its own vertical traveler and halyard. It looks to be telescopic in nature. Both are light. Which one is the Whisker pole and which one is the Spinnaker pole? And was this a good time to deploy it in downwind sailing wing on wing?

The telescoping pole is the whisker pole, and it is used to keep the Jib out. It reduces wear on the sail, and helps you keep the sail shape as the boat rolls. I wish I had one.

The pole mounted on the fore deck with jaws at both ends is the spinnaker pole. I have one of these, but without a spinnaker it is just in the way. I leave mine on the dock.

The pole mounted on the fore deck with jaws seams to be a trip hazzard. I have a red white and blue shoot with a dousing sock but I am no were ready to fly this thing. the wisker pole hangs on the boom out of the way. Iam learning. So if Iam not using the spinnaker for a while i can leave it at the house fore a while. That will give me more learning room on the fordeck without falling overboard. Again thanks

Much better with pictures.. the ring that the whisker pole is attached to seems dedicated to that function - and you have one on each side.

The ring on the sliding track (leading edge of the mast) is the one for the spinnaker pole. So in fact the setup allows you to fly the spinn with its pole (the one on deck) while leaving the whisker in the stowed position...

You really got a lot of good equipment on this boat. I'd stress again to do what you can to have someone with experience spend a day with you to sort it all out and set you straight on how to use it.

Thanks faster. We took her out this past weekend and she handles real nice in light air, but the head sail kept having a hard time staying inflated. We had a tail wind and were trying to go wing on wing. It was tough. So next time I will try to hold it open with the pole. Iím at a marina now and getting some great advice on the on deck stuff. I had a guy next dock climb aboard and as he did he told me that the rigging was way too loose. He helped me toon it up using this gauge that the last owner left in the boat.
Sorry for all the uneducated questions. I am learning a lot from this sight. It is packed full of information. I have been using the search function constantly. Talk to ya soon. And thanks again.
I will post a photo of how she looked this past weekend.

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